1. What is the difference between CD Replication and CD Duplication? or DVD Replication and Duplication?

CD Replication uses CD-ROM’s, whereas CD Duplication uses CD-R’s, however, the end result is the same – a readable CD. CD duplication is done by reading from a master and burning a CD-R. CD Replication is done by creating a glass master and extruding a polycarbonate on the master and lacquer finishing a CD. The same difference exist for DVD processes. Go ahead and check out our information pages: CD Replication, CD Duplication, DVD Replication, DVD Duplication.

2. What is the difference between a CD-R and a CD-ROM? or DVDR and DVDROM?

CD-R is another name for a recordable, write once CD, also know by a variety of names: one-off, blank CD, and gold disc. Data is written to the disc by a laser and is electronically closed.

CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) is a type of optical data disc that uses the same basic technology as the popular CD audio discs to store computer data. Although the standard CD-ROM can only read data, discs are inexpensive to make and each can hold up to 650 megabytes of data. CD-ROM’s are created by creating a glass master, extruding polycarbonate on to the master, metallizing and finishing it with a lacquer. DVD-ROM or DVD Videos are created by the same process except two thin discs are bonded together with a bonding agent.

3. What are the physical sizes of CD-R and CD-RW discs?

CD-R and CD-RW discs come in standard 12 cm (120 mm) and 8 cm (80 mm) sizes. The most popular is the larger 12 cm type which has the same physical dimension as most commercial audio CDs and computer software CD-ROMs. 8 cm discs are less common but, thanks to their smaller size, are gaining popularity for use in consumer electronic devices such as portable compressed digital audio players, digital still image cameras and data storage products like miniature CD recorders.

6. What about 34, 90 and 99 minute CD-R discs?

A few media manufacturers have recently introduced 34 minute/300 MB (8 cm), 90 minute/790 MB and 99 minute/870 MB (12cm) CD-R discs. To achieve these higher capacities such discs do not conform to Orange Book specifications and, as a result, may not write in all recorders, be accessible to all software or readable in all players and drives. Using 34, 90 and 99 minute CD-R discs is therefore not recommended.

7. How much information can actually be stored on CD-R and CD-RW discs?

The amount of information that can be written is determined by the disc’s recording capacity as well as the physical and logical formats used.Each of the five main CD physical formats devotes a different amount of space to user data (audio = 2,352 bytes/block, CD-ROM Mode 1 = 2,048 bytes/block, CD-ROM Mode 2 = 2,336/bytes/block, XA Form 1 = 2,048 bytes/block, XA Form 2 = 2,324 bytes/block). For any given data format disc capacity can be calculated by multiplying the appropriate user data area size by the CD data transfer rate of 75 blocks per second by 60 seconds by the minute size of disc. For example, a 80 minute disc written in CD-ROM Mode 1 format: user data area of 2048 bytes/block x 75 blocks/second = 153,600 bytes/second x 60 seconds = 9,216,000 bytes/minute x 80 minutes = 737,280,000 bytes. This rounds to roughly 700 MB (dividing by 1,024 to convert into KB and again by 1,024 to convert into MB). It should be noted, however, that in the real world capacity can vary slightly among discs from different media manufacturers.

8. What is the difference between 74 and 80 minute discs?

The only meaningful difference between most 74 and 80 minute discs is their storage capacity. Typically, this increasein usable space is achieved by tightening the coils of the pregroove (track pitch). This allows the disc to accommodate a longer pregroove and therefore a larger recordable area.

9. Are there any compatibility issues when using 80 minute instead of 74 minute discs?

Originally, 80 minute discs were specialized products for use in audio premastering studios but now have become commonplace and compatible with most software, recorders, readers and players. In some instances, however, older recorders and premastering software must be upgraded to accommodate 80 minute discs. It is, therefore, advisable to check with the manufacturers of your products and ensure that the latest versions of software and firmware are being used.

10. Do you do Business Cards CDs?

11. What about business card CD-R and CD-RW discs

Beyond the conventional 8 cm and 12 cm sizes some manufacturers offer discs shaped like business and credit cards or in other novelty forms. These do not conform with Orange Book specifications and, as a result, may not write and play back in all recorders or reading devices. Following manufacturer instructions is always the best course. Visit Customcut.net to find out more.

12. Do you do USB Duplication?

Yes, USB Duplication is a new addition to arcube’s media duplication. There are many different types of USB media to choose from. You can check out our USB information page or call us with any information.

13. Why can’t you cut my CD-R’s?

Cutting a disc doesn’t exactly qualify as typical use. As long as the lacquer coat is intact, the disc is will function fine and stay together. As soon as the lacquer coat on a CD-R is pierced, however, the whole thing flakes apart. This is due to the fact that the dye layer provides little or no adhesion for the reflective metal layer to remain attached to the polycarbonate disc. The dye layer and reflective layer are masked, so that they do not extend within the mirror band/stacker ring area, and so that they are at least a millimeter from the edge of the disc. The lacquer coat is spread pretty much over the entire disc, including over the outer edge. When it is cured, it is the component that keeps the reflective layer from peeling off the top of the disc.

The end result of all of this is that if we try to cut a normal CD-R, the disc will basically fall apart at some point in the process, making a tremendous mess. This mess can be somewhat pretty if you hit a cut CD-R with compressed air (it looks like you are in the middle of a snow globe), but the disc won’t work. For more information go here.

Other Questions: If you have any other questions about CD / DVD replication and or duplication that we don’t include on this page please call us or send an email to cannon@arcube.com with the question and we will be glad to include it on this page in hopes to answering it for others in the future.